Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Meissner Outlines Fat-Bike Policy

That's the official decision of The Meissner Nordic Board of Directors, who just met to address the issue of fat bikes/snow bikes on Meissner's groomed terrain. In review: No bikes allowed on groomed trails THIS SEASON. There will be a sign posted very soon making this clear, Shawn McFadden, a Meissner offical, wrote in an email.

As much as we love bikes of all types, it makes sense to keep fat bikes off of the groomed ski trails. In other realms they make a lot of sense. The skating and classic skiing at Meissner has been tremendous this season and we're looking forward to more of the same in 2013.

But, in case you haven't been paying attention, fat bikes are taking over the universe.

Originally made to handle snow riding, they've become popular 'cause they can handle all sorts of terrain. In Bend, we've seen them at a number of shops and, this winter, we've seen them out on trails. Which makes sense—they're super fun.

Fatback Bikes, based out of Anchorage, Alaska but with warehouses in Bend, is a popular brand that's sold at several shops in town.